eBay Has Limits – What Things You Will NOT Find to Buy
At eBay’s foundation it was virtually unregulated. Traders could buy and sell practically any product they desired. However, as eBay became more popular, it found it necessary to prohibit or restrict the sale of certain products in its online auctions. Some restrictions apply to all eBay members; while others are regionally mandated, and others are allowed the sale of an item only in special areas of the site.
eBay has classified its restricted items into three categories. Prohibited items cannot be listed on eBay under any circumstances. Questionable items can be listed under certain conditions. Potentially infringing items are not allowed to avoid the violation of copyright or trademark laws.
There are several examples of items that fall under the prohibited category. eBay prohibits the sale of alcohol since they cannot regulate age restrictions. Both prescription and recreational drugs are banned from eBay. In addition, eBay prohibits the listing of any firearms, knives, ammunition, or explosives. Human parts and remains are also strictly forbidden from being listed.
Other examples of items that eBay prohibits are animal and wildlife products, counterfeit items, credit card, fireworks, corrosives, military or police property, stamps, foreign currency, identification cards, lottery tickets, lock picking devices, pesticides, plants, seeds, recalled items, slot machines, stocks, stolen products and tobacco.
Items that eBay considers questionable include autographed items, batteries, food, tickets, contracts, used clothing and medical devices. eBay has unique listing conditions for these items and warns buyers to be particularly cautious when purchasing an item from this list.
eBay bans the sale of items that are potentially infringing. These items include academic software, bootleg recordings, games software, brand misuse, beta software, authenticity disclaimers, keyword spamming, mod chips, faces names and signatures, promotional items and anything that has been reproduced without the appropriate authorization.
Recently eBay has come under criticism for not enforcing their policies on what you can and cannot sell fairly amongst all eBay members. Critics have claimed that they enforce the regulations surrounding pirated items more strictly. The claim is that eBay caters to the copyright concerns of big business but overlooks items that may actually be more dangerous. While the enforcement of its policies may be random at times, eBay stands by it policies.
It is also important to mention that eBay enforces the same policies even if sellers are offering the items for free. You do not have to receive money for a prohibited or restricted item to be considered liable.
eBay not only regulates the items that can be bought in its online marketplace, but has rules concerning how information is displayed as well. It specifically prohibits the use of profanity and vulgar language, including remarks that are racist, hateful, sexist, or obscene. eBay also prohibits members to make threats to other members via email, telephone, or public message boards. It attempts to assure that all members follow these rules, so that eBay can remain an online marketplace that people feel comfortable being a part of.
Before listing you product for sale on eBay, you should check to make sure that it does not fall under any prohibited categories. Also keep in mind that eBay reserves the right to modify or update their list of prohibited and restricted items at any time.
eBay may take action against its members who break the rules concerning prohibited and restricted items. These members will have their auctions cancelled early and may face an account suspension. If your listing is cancelled early because you were in violation of their policy eBay will notify you and all bidders or the reasons behind the cancellation.
Til next time ...
Don Guindon |
